Abington Primary Women’s Healthcare Group

They’re physicians and ultrasound techs are amazing. However, similar to other comments, the practice management and nursing staff lack customer service and basic human compassion. The phone system is just terrible. I have been on hold for an hour trying to get through to get my test results. The check-​in staff is usually on a personal call. The nursing staff discuss patients and results opening so everyone in the waiting area can hear. The schedules are so tight, I’ve waited as much 90 mins beyond my scheduled appointment to be seen.

I have been a patient with this practice for 22 years… long before they were bought by Abington Health System. I went to them prior to children, they delivered both of my children and I continue to go here. My oldest daughter is now a patient. I have seen many of the doctors and nurse practicioners over the years. Dr Michaelson delivered my first child. Dr. Michaelson may not have an office personality that. suits everyone, but he is an outstanding and competent on/​gyn and I would definately have him on my list of top 3 for delivery. Yes, the wait time to make an appointment can be a little tedious, but I have left messages with the receptionist and they have called back in a timely manner so I could make an appt.

I’ve been a patient with this practice for 5+ years, seeing Julie Fitzgibbons and Mara Thur — both great. What is horrible about this practice is their phone line and message service. I call to talk to a nurse and am ALWAYS put directly into their voicemail box whether I choose that option or not. I left a request for a prescription and it went unfilled for days, even after I called back. I had to call the emergency line to get any kind of response. My pharmacy has also called them with no response. Just this morning, I was on hold for 10 mins (calling as soon as they opened) waiting to make an appointment, subjected to hold music that only created agitation (may want to change that) to be hung up on — as in the call was answered, I got a single «hello» and was disconnected before I could respond.
The doctors make the practice worth it — if you can make it through the phone service.

I have been with this practice for 10 years and they were wonderful for delivering my children, so if you are going for pregnancy, i recommend. However, I also have polycystic ovaries and had to have a cyst the size of a golfball removed last year, Dr. Bartlett did amazing surgery. I recently returned because of pelvic pain, I saw the nurse practitioner Julie and was in awe at the stuff coming from her mouth. I was put on Birth Control and suffered from side effects for 4 mths. so I went off of them… I made an appt. (basically for a pelvic exam and an ultrasound referral) she told me I either I «had to be on BC or get ovarian cancer!», she also said «she recommends I get my ovaries out!» I am 37 yrs old! When I told her my mom passed from cancer less than 2 years ago she recommended therapy because that is what she did when her 82 year old mom passed!!! She reduced me to tears of frustration and I am currently looking for another practice. I have friends who are NP’s and let me know that should have NEVER happened. I am looking for a new OBGYN…

I’ve been a patient with this practice for 2+ years now. The previous practice I was with closed and split, so I followed Dr. Murphy here and I’m glad I made the decision. Throughout my pregnancy I had to see several doctors, but often if I requested a specific doctor I found they were very accomodating. I had complications following the birth of my son and everything was handled in a professional, yet compassionate manner.

I’ve had similar experiences with Dr. Michaelson as Jenifer. I think he is well-​intentioned, but the follow-​through is lacking. I was having some health problems in November, which involved getting a uterine tissue sample. It was a fairly painful, albeit short, procedure that wasn’t helped by Dr. Michaelson making inane jokes in a fake Asian accent. At the end, the nurse said, «Why don’t you lay here for a minute –some people faint after this.»
It would have been helpful knowing that before I came in for the procedure. They also neglected to tell me that I should have taken pain reliever beforehand to alleviate the discomfort. They also casually mentioned that they were using the sample to test for cancer, which hadn’t been discussed previously. Granted, I could have googled this before my visit, but I would expect Dr. Michaelson to be more thorough during an initial visit.
After a five day wait, I get a message telling me my test was negative, with no suggestions on how to mitigate my ongoing issues. I called back to get some sort of information and was told to «monitor» myself. I am shopping for a new doctor.

For the most part, I like this practice. Most of the doctors and nurses are great, and the office staff is reasonably pleasant and does their best to accommodate your schedule. (They don’t blow my mind with friendliness, but compared to many other offices, they are great!) The office is clean, and the waiting room is comfortable.
If you are coming here for your pregnancy, their policy is that you need to see every doctor in the practice. That’s fine– a lot of places do this, but the one doctor I cannot stand is Dr. Michaelson. He seems friendly, but when you ask him any question, you only get the most superficial answer delivered in a condescending manner. Example from today:
Me: «Dr, I’m experiencing a lot of hip pain, can you recommend anything for that?»
Him: «The reason you’re experiencing hip pain is from a special substance called relaxin! This loosens your joints to prepare you for birth!» No shit, sherlock– I’m 28 weeks and am reasonably well-​educated.
Me: «I know that. I’m asking if you can recommend anything to lessen the discomfort.»
Him: «Have the baby!» Jerk. An internet search provided me with more useful responses such as creative-​pillow propping.
Worse, he always runs late. I know doctors can’t help getting behind on schedule, but the longest I’ve had to wait with anyone else is 20 minutes… his waits are closer to 45 minutes. I don’t pray, but I hope he’s not on call when I go into labor.
Him: «Look! A baby!»
*edit to respond to another review* I suppose if you like knowing as little as possible or don’t want a serious response to a serious question, he’s a fine doctor. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

Like most women, I cringe at the mere suggestion of stirrups (including those form-​fitting pants from the ‘80s) and exams (including the ones I had panic attacks over in school). So when you combine those two concepts, mix in some paper gowns and add the whole ladyparts deal, beware. We’ve got a jumper.
But luckily every experience I’ve had at this practice has been great. I’ve seen Dr. Frankel, Dr. Perry and Kim Erickson, CNP. They rule. There were no awkward moments and they really know their stuff (pun intended). I would say that as far as visits to Womanville go, this wasn’t all that bad.
Ladies, you know these visits are a necessary evil, like those pesky PMS mood swings and pinched toes from wearing sexy but uncomfortable high heels for an entire evening. But we gotta do it anyway. It might as well be as civilized and swift as possible. So go here. Like childbirth, you’ll spend lot of time and energy wishing the whole experience was over, and before you know it, you’ll be back in your own clothes and snickering at the knocked-​up chicks in the waiting room.